Practice research enabler: Enabling research in a social work practice context. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, Keith
• Is Part Of: Qualitative social work. Volume 18:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 677
• Page End: 692
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: Practice research enabler -- practice research -- phronesis -- social work practice; Social service -- Periodicals; Social service -- Research -- Periodicals; Social service -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1177/1473325017751038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-3250

Abstract

Practitioners are curious people but have become increasingly estranged from investigation and the research process. A false divide has developed wherein knowledge gained from practice is considered by some as inferior to knowledge constructed by academics. The concept of phronesis, as practical wisdom, can provide a link to give a legitimacy to practice research. One difference between academic research and practice research is in the collaborative relationship between practitioner and researcher, a true engagement with equal partners. The academic can be seen as a practice research enabler who facilitates the knowledge which practitioners develop in a localized setting and situates it in a broader theoretical perspective. As a research enabler, a researcher brings academic expertise to supplement the practice expertise of the practitioner to develop new knowledge. In a series of examples, and using a critical discourse analysis approach, the author critically assesses his own practice to identify an unsuccessful, a partially successful and a successful example of being a practice research enabler.